A complete shutdown has been announced across Punjab for December 30, as farmer unions escalate their protests demanding legal guarantees for minimum support prices (MSP) on crops and other agricultural reforms.
The strike, scheduled from 7 AM to 4 PM, will affect various sectors including transportation, markets, and essential services. The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Kisan Sangathan Morcha announced the shutdown in support of Jagji Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has pledged support to the shutdown, with president Harjinder Singh Dhami confirming closure of all SGPC offices during the strike period.
Transportation services will come to a halt as farmer unions plan to block approximately 200 road points and 50 railway tracks. JP Agarwal, President of the Ludhiana Transport Dealers Association, confirmed their participation in the strike, affecting LPG cylinder deliveries and fuel station operations.
Educational institutions have adjusted their schedules, with Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University postponing examinations. Most schools are already closed for winter break.
The protest movement, which began with the "Delhi Chalo" march and evolved into "Rail Roko" demonstrations, has now expanded to include this complete shutdown. Farmers are pushing for implementation of 13 agricultural demands, with MSP guarantees as a central issue.
Markets in Rajpura, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga, and other regions will remain closed until 4 PM, according to local media reports. Essential services, including milk supply and vegetable markets, will also be affected during the shutdown period.
The shutdown follows unsuccessful negotiations between farmer unions and government representatives over agricultural reforms and pricing policies.
